John Leslie's Story.
Birkenhead News 24 March 1915
BRILLIANT YOUNG BIRKONIAN
Killed in Flanders
The brilliant career of a fine young Birkonian came to an untirely (sic) but heroic end in Flanders on the 9th or 10th of this month. News has been received by Mr. Leslie C. Elmslie J.P., and Mrs Elmslie, of 51, Bidston Road, Oxton, of the death of their younger son John Leslie Elmslie, a private in the Hon. Artillery Company.
Mr. Elmslie, who was in his 19th year, enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company early in August, and had been serving with the first battalion since September last. He had been in the trenches since the end of October. He was educated at the Leys, Cambridge and was the champion swimmer of the school, and captain of the first football eleven. Until he decided to adopt a commercial career he was the best classic scholar at the Leys, and was chosen upon three speech days to make the Greek oration. Mr. Elmslie had been for a period of four years training in the Officers’ Training Corps. He entered the cotton firm of Thomas Thorburn and Co. as an apprentice on July 1st last.
Although the above article states that John died on 9th or 10th March, his service records confirm his death was on the 11th March 1915.